beta version
Software trial edition
A beta version is software released for testing before its official launch.
Beta versions are functional but incomplete, distributed to users who report bugs and suggest improvements.
The term extends beyond software: The restaurant's menu is still in beta version.
Compare alpha version (earlier, more limited testing) and release candidate (nearly final).
First functional specimen
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
- buildCreate a structure
- releaseTo let go
- pre-releaseBefore official distribution
coding · programming · deployment · integration · roadmap · sprint · milestone · feature
Small crawling creatures
- glitchesMinor system malfunctions
- crashesSudden violent impacts
- errorsUnintentional deviations from correctness
- debuggingError removal from programs
QA · quality assurance · stress test · regression · compatibility · stability · performance · functionality
Availability before public launch
- inviteRequest attendance
- waitlistRoster of pending hopefuls
- signupAct of enrolling
- opt-inActively choose participation
limited release · exclusive · preview · trial · demo · onboarding · rollout · enrollment
Repeated procedural pass
- refinementElegance of manner
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- polishSmooth by rubbing
- tweakingSlight adjustment process
revision · fine-tuning · updates · patches · hotfix · enhancements · fixes · changelog
Systematic information gathering
- opinionsSubjective beliefs or assessments
- critiqueDetailed evaluative analysis
- commentsSpoken or written reactions
- suggestionsProposed ideas or advice
reviews · evaluation · assessment · input · impressions · forum · discussion · UX
prototype
First functional specimen
pre-release · coding · programming · deployment · integration · roadmap · sprint · milestone · feature · specification
bugs
Small crawling creatures
- glitchesMinor system malfunctions
- crashesSudden violent impacts
- errorsUnintentional deviations from correctness
debugging · QA · quality assurance · stress test · regression · compatibility · stability · performance · functionality · usability
early access
Availability before public launch
opt-in · limited release · exclusive · preview · trial · demo · onboarding · rollout · enrollment · participants
iteration
Repeated procedural pass
- refinementElegance of manner
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- polishSmooth by rubbing
tweaking · revision · fine-tuning · updates · patches · hotfix · enhancements · fixes · changelog · versioning
surveys
Systematic information gathering
- opinionsSubjective beliefs or assessments
- critiqueDetailed evaluative analysis
- commentsSpoken or written reactions
suggestions · reviews · evaluation · assessment · input · impressions · forum · discussion · UX · usability
- innovationinnovation, invention, innovative, innovate, breakthrough
- previewspreview, movie trailer, book excerpt, sneak peek, teaser
- variationsvariation, variant, modification, alternate, derivative
- versionsedition, variant, variation, revision, iteration
- Testing Groundsprototype, pilot program, sandbox, trial run, proving ground
- trial runstest, trial run, test run, dry run, tryout
beta versionfinal release
Completed production version
gold master · RTM · finished product · live version · alpha version
version, versions, beta, betas, beta testing, beta test, alpha version